A relief depicting Herakles and the Hydra
The Lernaean Hydra was a gigantic, many-headed snake in the Greek mythology.
Description[]
The Hydra was described as a water monster with poisonous heads, one of which was immortal. In addition, for every head that was cut off, two more would sprout in its place.[1]
History[]
The Hydra lived in the lake Lerna of Argolis,[1] and the region became later known as Wetlands of the Hydra.[2] The second of the twelve labours performed by the legendary hero Herakles under the orders of his cousin, King Eurystheas of Mycenae, was the slaying of the Hydra.[1] In this he succeeded with the help of his nephew Iolaos, as after Herakles cut off a head, Iolaos burned the neck before new heads could grow.[1][3] Another version of the myth said that Herakles used the snake's own venom to prevent its regeneration.[2]
When only the immortal head was left, Herakles used the golden sword the goddess Athena had granted him. Afterwards, Herakles used the Hydra's poisonous blood to anoint the tips of his arrows.[1]
Influence and legacy[]
The story of the Hydra and Herakles' survived through the years, and was memorized in reliefs used to decorate temples and households.[2]
During the Peloponnesian War, a member and the Sage of the Gods of the Aegean Sea branch of the Cult of Kosmos used the creature's name as his cryptonym.[4]
On the Aegean Sea during the 5th century also sailed a ship called Kechrias, whose sails and finery bore the image of the Hydra, to the point that they were called The Hydra's Venom.[2]
One of Layla Hassan's Animus modifications allowed Kassandra to obtain greaves adorned with the shape of the Hydra, as well as sails and a figurehead featuring the likeness of the Hydra for the ship Adrestia.[2]
Gallery[]
Appearances[]
- Assassin's Creed (first mentioned)
- Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (mentioned only)
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – Argolis: The Hydra
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Assassin's Creed: Odyssey
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – Argolis: Learna Swamp
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – The Gods of the Aegean Sea